With the demand on your pallet racking, it is likely that it will experience some wear and tear or even damage. Any damage can impact the safety of the system, which is why it is vital you implement racking impact protection.
First Floors are pallet racking specialists that supply and install a range of protection products so you can confidently use your system knowing it is protected from impact and will withstand the demand. Every pallet racking storage system meets unique business needs, and the protection put in place needs to work as part of that, so we will examine your system and combine protection products to create a bespoke solution.
Speak to our expert team today to find out more about protection services.
What is Pallet Racking Protection?
Often, pallet racking is surrounded by machinery and mobile plants that are part of the business operations, such as forklifts. Sometimes, these can make contact with the pallet racking system, damaging them.
Plus, like most things, heavy usage will create wear and tear to the system.
Pallet racking protection products are installed around or on racking structures to prevent impact damage that could compromise the structural integrity of the racking system.
The aim of these products is to extend the lifespan of the racking system, all the while ensuring it remains structurally sound and safe for those working around it.
Discover more about how pallet racking systems work and get a quote for our products and installations by contacting our team today.
First Floors Pallet Racking Protection Installation Services
As well as pallet racking installation and maintenance, we offer a comprehensive protection service, where our team of experts supply and install a variety of protective products to reduce damage and repairs needed.
This service includes:
- System assessment – we will evaluate the system you have and your warehouse operations in order to recommend relevant and optimal protection products.
- Supply of products – we will order and supply the products ready for installation.
- Installation – our team will efficiently install these products, minimising disruption so you can continue operating while we work.
- Maintenance and repair – should any of these protective elements get damaged, we will be on hand to repair or replace the product quickly.
Contact us today to discuss your needs and get a quote.
Why Is Racking Impact Protection Important?
Racking impact protection might feel like another expense to pay after the installation of your bespoke system. However, it is a vital part of the system for several reasons.
- Safety and Risk Mitigation – without racking impact protection, the risk of severe damage that could affect the structural integrity of the system is higher, also increasing the chances of damaged goods and employee injury.
- Cost-effectiveness – by installing protection when the system is set up, you reduce the need for frequent repairs or replacements when aspects are damaged.
- Regulatory Compliance – pallet racking protection ensures that your racking systems meet regulatory compliance, specifically health and safety standards.
Still not sure why you need racking protection? Contact our team to learn more about the necessities of these products and get a quote for our services.
Types of Pallet Racking Protection Products
There are a variety of racking impact protection products available. It is critical that you get the right solution for your system so that you have the best protection available. Below are a few examples of the products available, but this is not an exhaustive list.
We recommend speaking to an expert as they will be able to offer advice and guidance.
Rack End Barriers
Rack-end barriers are heavy-duty barriers placed at the ends of pallet racks to prevent forklift and vehicle impacts.
These benefits include:
- Protection against impact at high-traffic points
- Reduces damage to rack columns and the overall racking structure
While these can be used anywhere, they are often used in warehouses with narrow aisles and frequent forklift traffic.
Column Guards
Column Guards are placed at the bottom of individual racking uprights and protect these parts of the system from collisions and accidents.
The benefits of this type of protection are:
- Easy to install
- Simple to replace if they get damaged
- Prevents minor impacts causing buckling or collapse of rack uprights
Again, these can be used anywhere but are more likely to be used in warehouses with tight turning circles where forklift accidents are more common.
Corner Guards
Corners of any structure are vulnerable, and this is especially the case with pallet racking. So, corner guards protect the system’s corners from impact and damage.
The advantages of these protection products are:
- Robust protection for corners and edges
- Prevents costly structural damage and repair
These are a good addition to any racking storage system and are used in high-traffic areas or where the racking systems turn corners.
Rack Protectors
As well as adding protection to the structural elements, you need to protect the racking itself. Rack protectors attach directly to the racks and act as barriers that shield against forklift damage.
Benefits include:
- Directly protects the racking legs and frame from collisions
- Can be customised to specific racking designs
You will often find this racking impact protection product used in warehouses where there is heavy machinery and high levels of equipment usage.
Upright Protectors
For localised impact resistance, upright protectors are installed around the vertical racking uprights.
Why install this protection product?
- Prevent damage to vertical supports and reduce the risk of collapse
- Can be made of various materials, including steel, plastic, or rubber
These are typically used across all pallet racking systems.
Bollards and Guard Rails
Bollard and guard rails are placed around the entire racking storage system to provide additional protection from vehicles.
The benefits offered by this protection system include:
- Control traffic and protect key areas
- Provides visible boundaries and shields against heavy impacts
These are ideal for large warehouses that have several vehicles and machinery moving around the floor space.
Pallet Racking Protection FAQs
A: It is not a legal requirement to have protective gear on your pallet racking system, it is recommended as it can provide additional support for the structure and will reduce the chance of significant damage to any element of the system, decreasing the chance of system failure and injury.
A: Pallet racking protection shields the racking system’s structural integrity from impacts and forklift collisions, which helps reduce the risk of accidents. It creates a safer working environment by lowering the possibility of damage, which also lowers the risk of rack collapses, falling inventory, and employee injuries.
A: Absolutely. In fact, this is recommended as it will ensure you have the right protection to meet the usage, traffic and demand in your warehouse.
A: Yes. If you have a pallet racking system without any protective measures, we recommend that you arrange for protective measures to be retrospectively fit.
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